Are Dental Implants Affordable?
Davis, CA
 Dental implants may have earned a slightly bad rep over the years for being a bit expensive. However, this is far from the truth when you take into account the overall longevity and durability of dental implants.
For one, dental implants can last anywhere from 15 years to over 40 years with good maintenance. Secondly, dental implants mimic your real teeth, and your immune system won’t be able to tell the difference between the two.
But the upfront costs of dental implants can deter some patients - to the point where they seek alternatives such as dentures and bridges. But if you’re eligible for a dental implant procedure, they’re second to none in the world of dental restoration. Not only do they look and feel good, but they also drastically improve your quality of life.
Dental implants stop the process of bone loss attributed to missing teeth. This means they will preserve your facial shape by preventing jawbone deterioration.
Explaining the Costs
Every person has different requirements, which means their procedure will be different, and this will reflect in their overall costs. With that said, the cost of dental implants for a single tooth replacement starts at $2,000. This does not take into account the overall dental implant procedure, which may include examinations such as CT scans and x-rays.
For obvious reasons, replacing more than one tooth with dental implants will entail a higher cost. But you might be able to make a few savings if you are filing a gap of three adjacent teeth. You can use a bridge with two implants. This brings down the total cost of the procedure to about $6,000 to $10,000.
Keep in mind that these are just generic numbers just so you can get an idea of what to expect in terms of pricing. Actual numbers may be lower or higher depending on your overall requirements, preferences, and health.
Some Patients Require Bone Grafts
Some patients experience jawbone loss because they’ve been sitting on a missing tooth for too long. When the body detects that the jawbone isn’t being stimulated by teeth, it begins to reabsorb the bone. Over time, a person can lose a significant amount of bone. This means they may not be able to provide adequate support for dental implants.
Our dentists will perform an in-depth examination of your mouth to examine critical features such as teeth alignment, gums, and nerve positioning to help create dental implants for you.
If you’ve lost too much bone mass, you may be asked to undergo bone graft surgery. This can add anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 to your overall costs. It is worth noting that the bone graft will be treated as a separate surgery, and you will need to take a few months to heal before you can undergo dental implant surgery.
During this time, you will be asked to avoid smoking and strictly adhere to post-op instructions.
Materials for Dental Implants Can Be Expensive
Titanium is an expensive material, not only because it’s hard to procure, but it’s also difficult to produce. It requires a tremendous amount of energy to process into useful implant posts. Titanium is a popular choice for implant posts because they are extremely biocompatible and easily accepted by the body.
The best part is that titanium is extremely durable and strong, allowing the implant to be useful for over 40 years. Of course, the crown (the part of the implant that serves as the actual tooth) will require more frequent replacement intervals of 15 years because of wear and tear.
You can easily reduce wear and tear by taking good care of your teeth and staying on top of oral care maintenance.
Implants vs Bridges
Dental bridges cost anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000. The exact material used can impact the amount you end up paying. Bridges only last about seven years; some may last longer with good maintenance.
In terms of longevity, dental implants are a better choice - if the patient is eligible, that is. Moreover, implants are also better in terms of oral health despite the higher cost of surgery. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which procedure is better (after consultation with our dentists, of course). For more information, we recommend getting in touch with our experienced specialists.
Implants Last a Long Time
A key reason why dental implants are so popular compared to other restorative procedures is that they last for an incredibly long time. In some cases, they last a lifetime. Although it may feel that you’re overpaying at first, the dental implant procedure will pay for itself in the long run.
Implant Location Also Plays a Role in Price
Did you know that the teeth in the front of the mouth are more difficult for surgeons to work with? This is because surgeons have to pay careful attention to the implant in order to make it look like a real tooth. It takes a combination of art and experience to work on front teeth. In general, the teeth in the front will be more expensive because of the surgical complexities.
How Do I Make Dental Implants Affordable?
The best way to reduce costs is to get routine checkups at Davis Dental Practice. This will ensure that any issue with your oral health can be taken care of early on before it can turn into a more complex problem. Ultimately, the best thing you can do is to stay on top of your oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing. This will minimize any problems with your oral health and any complexities associated with dental implant procedures. As a result, the cost of your dental implant will be lower and more affordable.
Should I Get Dental Implants?
This question is best answered by our skilled experts at Davis Dental Practice. Our team goes above and beyond to provide you with the best dental care that you deserve. This means taking scans of your mouth, teeth, and jawbone for pinpoint accuracy. For more information, call (530) 756-5300, and our staff will be more than happy to help you understand how dental care is affordable for you. |
